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Forde and McMenamin depart Warrenpoint Town

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

WARRENPOINT TOWN have lost two of their best players with teenage sensation Lorcan Forde going to Linfield and last season's best player of the season Conor McMenamin joining former boss Barry Gray at Cliftonville.

It looks to be a massive blow to Warrenpoint's hopes of building on their 10th placed finish next season as they have lost two of their best players.

McMenamin fell out of favour towards the end of last season and a departure seemed likely on the cards - Gray has been shrewd enough to snap him up.

That said, the Seasiders have brought in a number players in recent weeks but it is asking a lot to replace the talent Forde and McMeniman.

Forde, from Saval, told the Linfield website he was overjoyed of joining David Healy's team.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have signed for Linfield and I can't wait to get started," said Forde.

"This is the biggest club in the country and I've been really impressed with what David Healy has had to say about his plans for the future.

"This is a great move for me and this will be a great place for me to develop as a player.

"There are great facilities here and I will benefit from great coaching and my aim is to learn and improve as a player and I really want to come here and help the club win trophies. "I can't thank Warrenpoint enough for all they've done to help me this far in my career.

I've been at Warrenpoint since I was 10 years old and I've loved every minute of my time there.

"I really appreciate all that was done for me by Warrenpoint and I wouldn't have got this move here, if it weren't for everything that was done for me over many years at Warrenpoint.

"I just feel I'm at the right age to make this move, as I want to aim to progress to the next stage in my career.

"I see myself as a striker or as a right sided midfielder and I think this move is a great opportunity for me. I know there will be lots of competition for places but I think that will bring out the best in me.

"I know there's a lot of quality here and I will have to work really hard to get in the team. I just want to make a contribution to the team and score goals and I'm really looking forward to playing in such a great stadium, hopefully on a regular basis.

"I'm looking forward to meeting up with my new team mates. I already know Ryan Strain well from international call ups and I also know Mark Haughey and Adam Carroll, as they are both fairly local to me in the Newry area."

The Warrenpoint Town chairman Connaire McGreevy also wished Forde the best of luck in his future with the Blues and beyond.

"Over the last few seasons Lorcan has showed that he has got what it takes to play at the top level," said McGreevy.

"Lorcan took on responsibility this season and played a huge role in keeping us in the premiership.

"His performances have caught the eye of many clubs here and further afield.

"He got a feel for higher levels of football at Burnley last season while on trial and is set to continue to rise through what hopefully becomes a long and prosperous professional career in football.

"Lorcan has gone through all the youth ranks here at the point and worked his way up to get into the senior team.

"He is an inspiration to all the upcoming youth players within our club and shows that they can follow the same pathway of development here in Warrenpoint.

"We thank Lorcan for all his efforts at the club and wish him all the best in this journey.

"We think this is best for Lorcan and he departs with the blessing of everyone at Warrenpoint.

"Lorcan is a great lad with a lot of talent and has the right attitude to take him to the top level.

"We will miss watching him in action as he is a joy to watch with his dazzling skills but look forward to seeing him return soon, hopefully not to score against us.

"I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Linfield FC for their professionalism in this deal at all levels.

Meanwhile Francis McCaffrey has joined Stephen McDonnell's Warrenpoint Town after being released by Ballymena United and is an astute signing.

Having played against the Point in the past and he has impressed the new management enough to bring him to the Q Radio Arena.